Moore County deputy killed in line of duty

Authorities say a Moore County deputy responding to a trespassing call was shot by a suspect. That suspect then shot and killed himself.

The deputy has been identified as 58-year-old Richard Rhyne. He's been with the Moore County Sheriff's Department since 2007.

The incident happened around noon Thursday in the 700-block of Morrison Bridge Rd. in southeastern Moore County, east of Southern Pines.

Moore County Sheriff Lane Carter said Rhyne confronted two suspects. Rhyne then called by radio and asked if there were any outstanding warrants for either of the two suspects. He was advised by another deputy that there was an outstanding child support warrant for Martin Poynter. A scuffle ensued when Rhyne tried to handcuff Poynter. That's when Rhyne was shot and killed. After shooting Rhyne, Poynter then shot and killed himself.

Officials say the second man was Poynter's brother and was just a bystander.

Rhyne served as the police chief of the Village of Firefox, N.C. for 26 years before retiring. He previously worked as a police officer for the Village of Pinehurst for approximately seven years.

Rhyne is believed to be the first Moore County deputy ever to be killed in the line of duty.

A memorial account has been set up at First Bank in memory of Deputy Rhyne.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the "Deputy Rick Rhyne Memorial Account" can take it to any First Bank or may mail it to First Bank at P.O. Box 125, Carthage, North Carolina 28327.

Visitation will be from 3 - 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Boles Funeral Home located at 425 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Southern Pines. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12 in Owens Auditorium on the campus of Sandhills Community College located at 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst. Burial will follow at the Taylor Memorial Baptist Church located at 4164 Hoffman Road in Aberdeen.